Why We Like This Place

"Madrona Manor" … the very name sounds like something out of a romantic novel, and if romance is what you're looking for, you've come to the right place. Built in 1881 by Sonoma County businessman John Paxton as a family residence, it became an inn during the 1980s and earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places. Current owners Bill and Trudi Konrad worked diligently to restore this landmark to its former splendor, and they've succeeded admirably.

This elegant boutique hotel is a classic example of Victorian architecture with period scrollwork, a mansard roof, dormer windows and columned verandas. The property occupies eight acres of prime Sonoma County real estate, whose tangled woodlands have been lovingly coaxed into a garden showplace with fountains, rolling lawns, herb gardens, a citrus grove and a rainbow of seasonal flowers.

The manor's interior shows the same attention to detail and eye for authenticity as the grounds. The first-floor rooms all have fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, carved sideboards and turn-of-the-century art. The Palm Terrace is a large covered veranda, whose wicker furniture, potted palms and cheerful upholstery make it reminiscent of a Victorian conservatory.

Madrona Manor offers three types of wedding packages, and each one makes ample use of the manor's felicitous environs. The favored ceremony site is the capacious Wedding Lawn, bordered by masses of flowers and towering sycamores.

The Victorians were known for their elaborate multicourse repasts, and Madrona Manor is as authentic in this as it is in everything else. Thanks to Chef Jesse Mallgren, the venue has a prestigious one-star Michelin rating. Chef Mallgren's considerable talents and renowned seasonal menus are at your disposal. Another talented staff member is Arielle Larson, the Director of Special Events, who is adept at creating breathtakingly romantic destination weddings.

Madrona Manor is also available during the week and in the off-season. Of course, nonwedding events such as celebratory dinners or corporate functions are also welcome. If your love life could use a jump-start, you don't have to wait for Valentine's Day—just take a trip to Madrona Manor, where romance is in the air all year round.